A South African teacher in Australia: Chane’s story of taking the leap

For many South African teachers, the idea of moving to Australia starts quietly. Following pages, reading stories, and wondering whether it might be possible.

For Chane, that was exactly where it began. After following SA-Recruitment for some time, she made the decision to move forward and explore opportunities more seriously.

“I followed SA-Recruitment on Facebook for a while,” she says, “and then decided to get a company to help me secure a job with a good school.”

At that point, the reality of what lay ahead started to set in. Like many teachers, she found the process overwhelming at first.

“Planning on making my move to Australia seemed very daunting to do on my own.”

Starting the journey: preparation and support

Once Chane committed to the process, preparation became key. The early stages required research, organisation, and a clear understanding of what she wanted from the move.

“Doing your research thoroughly is a definite when starting,” she explains. “Being paper ready before contacting SA-Recruitment really helped the timeline of the whole process.”

Having that level of preparation in place made a noticeable difference, but so did having the right support during the journey. “My experience with Irene has been very positive. She’s been so helpful during the whole process. On days where I felt discouraged, she would motivate me to stay positive.”

For Chane, this combination of preparation and guidance helped turn what initially felt overwhelming into something manageable and achievable. She also highlights the importance of being proactive throughout the process.

“Always be prepared, make sure you ask a million questions and really ask yourself what outcome you expect from the process.”

Teaching in Australia: adjusting to a new environment

Chane secured a role at a Catholic school in Australia, and her experience of settling into the school has been a positive one.

“I’ve landed a great opportunity at a Catholic school. The staff were so welcoming and always willing to help.”

At the same time, she is realistic about the transition. While many teaching skills transfer across, the differences between systems are clear.

“The curriculum does differ a lot from the South African curriculum and teaching differs a lot. It is something you need to be prepared for.”

Adapting to a new curriculum and teaching approach takes time, but with the support of her colleagues and a willingness to learn, she has found her footing. Over time, what initially felt unfamiliar has become part of her day-to-day experience.

Living in Australia as a South African teacher: balance and lifestyle

Outside of the classroom, the biggest shift for Chane has been her quality of life.

“The work-life balance has sold this whole journey for me,” she says. “In South Africa, I had very little time for myself. It felt like I was always in fight-and-flight mode.”

In Australia, that pace has changed significantly. “I now have so much time on my hands, there are days I don’t know what to do with all the time I have.”

That shift has allowed her to focus on her wellbeing in ways that were not possible before. “I’ve started eating properly again, exercising again, and just enjoying being outside.”

She does point out that this can vary depending on the school and role, and encourages teachers to take the time to understand this before accepting a position.

“Do your research on schools before applying and ask questions in your interview.”

Beyond work, it is the everyday lifestyle that has made the biggest difference. “Living in Australia has given me so many opportunities. If I can say this, life is easier.”

She highlights the accessibility of simple but meaningful experiences. “Libraries are free, there are parks, scenic drives, botanical gardens. Everything works.”

As a single woman, this has brought a new sense of independence. “There are things I just couldn’t do in South Africa that I can now do here.”

The emotional reality of starting over

While the lifestyle benefits are clear, Chane is honest about the emotional side of the move.

“Uprooting your whole life and leaving behind your family and friends is difficult. You go through a rollercoaster of emotions, and that’s completely normal.”

Adjusting to a new country, building a new routine, and forming new relationships takes time. For her, finding support networks early on made a difference.

“Subscribe to Facebook groups, ask questions, and work through the information that is shared. It really helps, especially when you first arrive.”

She also encourages teachers to be open to stepping outside of their comfort zones. “You’ll need to put yourself out there, even if it’s not your personality type. You will make new friends, it just takes time.”

Financial reality and long-term impact

From a financial perspective, Chane’s move has brought positive change, but she is also clear that it requires planning and a realistic mindset from the start.

Moving to Australia does involve upfront costs, and it is important to approach the process with a long-term view. “You need to be realistic about the fact that you are starting over in many ways,” she explains.

Despite this, she has already seen the benefits. “Coming to Australia has given me more financial freedom than I had in South Africa.”

She notes that cost of living varies depending on location, which is something teachers should research carefully, but overall she has found it possible to save. “Being able to save money each month is such a bonus.”

For Chane, the initial investment has been worthwhile, and she is confident that the long-term outlook will continue to improve.

Looking ahead

Chane is clear that every teacher’s journey will be different.

“Each person’s journey is different. Not everyone will have the same experience or feelings that I have.”

Her advice is grounded and practical. “Come with an open mind. Do your research, especially about where you want to live.”

For her, the decision to move has been a positive and rewarding step. “I’ve been truly blessed in my journey so far and I’m thankful for the opportunity.”

Contact us